Going back to school can be very expensive for students and teachers. On average, families spend $696.70 on back to shopping for their elementary, middle, and high school students. The amount is a lot higher for those going to college.
I am a licensed teacher. I realized that back to school shopping is more expensive.
Teachers spend on average $500 on school supplies. Some teachers spend over $1,000 on back to school supplies. That may increase. Thanks to the pandemic and inflation.
Depending on how schools reopen, you may spend less or more. Some school systems are doing a hybrid. This may mean parents will have to have supplies at home and at school.
However, your kids are going back to school, there are ways to save some money this year.
I have included tips on how to save money when shopping back to school. I also added some top school supplies on students list this year.
This post contains affiliate links which I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. You help a soon to be a teacher (me)! earn some money to supply my classroom and to move. Thank you for your support and for choosing to read my post!
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| Tips on Saving Money on Back to School Shopping |
1. Make a budget
Know how much you want to spend. Before shopping, figure out how much you want to spend. Check your child's school list first.
This will help you figure out how much you need to spend. Create a budget that will not overwhelm you. Try to stick with it or find other ways to get school supplies.
2. Shop at home
Believe it or not, you may have the supplies you or your kids may need at home. If you are like me, you may have a bin or drawer filled with supplies already. Look and see what you already have and make off the list of items you need to buy.
You may save a lot of money just by using what you already have at home. Look in your office drawers to see if you have any material you can use.
I can say the same about clothing. Check to see what you already have in your closet and drawers. That way you don't end up buying the same article of clothing repeatedly.
3. Shop at your friends
If you are a parent, student, or teacher that needs furniture, ask you, friends. You may find that computer desk you wanted or that bookshelf. You do the same thing with school supplies and clothing.
I know a fellow new teacher is taking this approach. Her fellow teachers are giving her classroom supplies. She does not have to spend extra money buying new things.
I know a fellow new teacher is taking this approach. Her fellow teachers are giving her classroom supplies. She does not have to spend extra money buying new things.
If you don't mind wearing or using gently used items, this can work. You will save a lot of money by shopping there.
4. Check prices before going out
Before going shopping price compare. This will help you find out how much you may need to spend. It will also help you find the best deals!
Before going shopping price compare. This will help you find out how much you may need to spend. It will also help you find the best deals!
5. Shop at Dollar Stores, Warehouse Stores, and Office Supplies
Dollar stores have a lot to offer for you back to school needs. To save money, you can buy cleaning products, facial tissues, and school supplies. Teachers can even find school decorations at some stores.
I found a lot of deals at my local dollar store and Burke's Outlet. I found a LeSportsac bag for $21.99. So you can save a lot of money shopping at these stores.
Office Supply stores cost more money, but they offer some discounts. Office Supply stores like OfficeMax have reward programs that allow you to save money.
P.S. Teachers, you may use your teacher id to score discounts at some stores. Dollar General is offering 20% off stationery items if you have a valid id.
Educators used in public schools can apply for a tax-free exemption on classroom purchases made at Home Depot when they have a Federal Government Purchase Card (source).
Check out other stores like Office Depot, Jo-Ann, A.C. Moore, Meijer, and Barnes and Noble.
JOANN Fabric: JOANN Fabric offers a 15% in-store and online discount to educators when they sign up for the JOANN Teacher Rewards Program. It requires a valid ID (source).
Michaels: Michaels offers a 15% discount to U.S. teachers when they sign up for Michaels Rewards and verify using their educator ID. Available for online and in-store purchases (source).
6. Buy Generic
There is nothing wrong with buying generic items. I saved a lot of money by buying generic folders, binders, and notebooks.
There are some cute, generic, and colorful school supplies. They may not have their favorite cartoon characters, but they will look good. I can say the same about lunch bags and tissues.
7. Don't forget your coupons
Bring those coupons you received in your newspaper when you go shopping. Don't forget about the coupons you can print online and the ones you can use on your phone. You can also use you're the newsletters you receive in your mail to save money.
8. Shop Online
Shopping online allows you to use coupon codes and cashback rebates. Check out Ibotta, Ebates, and Retail Me Not because you can receive cashback from your online purchases.
Some stores allow offer free online shopping and allow you to pick up at the store. That way you can save money and time when you shop.
Conclusion:
To save money, you should always have a budget. You don't have to spend all at once because you may find better deals on some items later this year.
I did a post about school supplies and showcase some items that are out there for this year. School supplies are a lot more fashionable. I believe if you have supplies you love you may feel more inclined to go back to school!
For those reading this that are not a student, some of these items would be great for your office too!
Items under $25
3.6-Cup Caddy - up & up™ • $4 ( I brought these to store various supplies in)
10. TRU REDTM 1-Subject Notebook, 8" x 10.5", Wide Ruled, 70 Sheets, Assorted Colors (TR54893) • $0.69
Shop School Supplies
More Articles to Read:
Want more tips on Back to school savings, read this post!
Work Looks perfect for teachers and interns.
Hate Mondays?! Check out this post!
Look at My Current Faves Page to see more back to school supplies!
P.S. Barnes & Noble: Full-time teachers and school faculty members can get 20% off select purchases for educational purposes at Barnes & Noble, and 25% off during Educator Appreciation Days. Enroll online or visit your nearest B&N store (source).
For updated info on CDC school guidelines, check out this page.
Before You Leave, Don't Forget to Share
More Articles to Read:
Want more tips on Back to school savings, read this post!
Work Looks perfect for teachers and interns.
Hate Mondays?! Check out this post!
Look at My Current Faves Page to see more back to school supplies!
P.S. Barnes & Noble: Full-time teachers and school faculty members can get 20% off select purchases for educational purposes at Barnes & Noble, and 25% off during Educator Appreciation Days. Enroll online or visit your nearest B&N store (source).
For updated info on CDC school guidelines, check out this page.
Check out my current faves page to see more back to school supplies.
